Nearly 60 years since it was first built, Woden has become one of Canberra’s premier destinations for shopping, community events and recreation.

LOCATED 10 minutes from the centre of Canberra, the development of Woden Valley began in 1962, before its first residents arrived in 1963.

Separate from Civic, Woden Valley was the ACT’s first satellite city to be built, with its own shopping centre, employment opportunities and suburbs located around the town centre.

More than half a century later, Woden has become one of Canberra’s premier destinations for shopping, community events and recreation.

Michelle helps others to put their best foot forward

PRINCIPAL podiatrist at Canberra Podiatry Michelle Prophet says she has the expertise and passion for helping others to put their best foot forward.

“My journey began long before I opened my own business in 1997,” she says.

“Prior to that milestone, I worked alongside my father, Stephen Prophet, a renowned orthopedic appliance consultant, and together we crafted orthotics and shoes, laying the foundation for what would become a thriving podiatry practice and eventually inclusive of a physiotherapist, David Kennard.”

Michelle says her business is a hub for all aspects of podiatry and physiotherapy, where she and her team offer a wide range of services.

“My own special interests within the field are biomechanics, with a particular focus on gait and posture analysis, as well as podopediatrics (the assessment of children), sports podiatry, and a dedicated emphasis on dance and ballet,” she says.

“We’re proud to highlight the unique strengths and passions of our dedicated team members.

“Jake, our senior podiatrist, is a true enthusiast in all aspects of podiatry. Mai comes highly recommended for her proficiency in wound care, laser therapy, and providing comprehensive treatments, our remarkable practitioner Mia is our youngest podiatrist, based at our Queanbeyan clinic, and our friendly reception staff Eva at Canberra Podiatry and Chrissie at Qcity Podiatry, are always ready to help.”

Canberra Podiatry, 4 Chifley Place. Call 6281 1200, or visit canberrapodiatry.com.au

Refocusing on service and life

SIGNUS Legal opened on October 3, and director Brendan Goodger is excited to offer his services to new and existing clients.

“I am a business and commercial transactional lawyer, who can help through the entire life of your company,” he says.

“But, we also offer estate planning services, property and conveyancing and notarial services.

“I have been in the legal industry since mid-2009, and have spent my entire career in Woden.

“My customer base has been largely in this area, there is no big parking struggle, it’s the perfect mix of being accessible without being in the centre of the city,” he says.

“I am dedicated to providing a highly personalised level of service and helping clients achieve their objectives by taking the time to understand each deal and its specific nuances.

“My previous firm had reached the point where everyone was working long hours and not able to take leave, so I started Signus Legal to refocus my work-life balance on family and pets and the other important things in life.”

Signus Legal, 48 Corinna Street, Woden. Call 5133 5664, or visit signus.legal

Leading lawyer with a ‘can-do’ attitude

KEN Hubert, of Capon and Hubert, began his career as an articled clerk with Romano and Verducci, and spent some time as an associate assisting Justice Kelly, says finance director Rhonda Hubert.

“He has spent his working life in legal practices in Canberra,” she says.

“He then worked with William G Pierce, eventually buying out the practice, which then merged with that of Geoff Capon, and became what is now known as Capon and Hubert.”

Rhonda says Ken’s legal career spans nearly 40 years.

“Ken’s main area of expertise revolves around family matters, where he listens to clients to define issues and determines possible options, before he then handles negotiations and court proceedings,” she says.

“Ken aims to define what is most important to his clients, walking through the process with them to achieve an outcome they can live with.

“Other than family law, Ken has extensive experience in the areas of estates litigation, commercial and property, and he also sometimes deals with criminal and traffic infringement matters.”

Ken helps people with their legal issues with confidence and compassion, says Rhonda.

“Ken is a people person and always leads with a ‘can-do’ attitude.”

Capon and Hubert Lawyers and Mediators, first floor, 32-38 Townshend Street, Phillip. Call 6152 9203 or visit chsol.com.au

Pain support with a personal touch

ARTHRITIS ACT can support people no matter what type of chronic pain condition they have, says CEO, Rebecca Davey.

“It’s important to remain active at all ages, to condition muscles that protect against injury”, and Arthritis ACT has solutions for people of varying abilities.

Rebecca says Arthritis, Pain Support & ME/CFS have staff who are not only experts in their fields, but many are peers in that they also live with the conditions that bring our clients to us.

“This means we really understand where you are coming from, your fears, your hopes, and what you can do,” she says.

“We are hosting a mindfulness for chronic pain workshop beginning with a physiotherapist who has 30 years of experience, so she really knows her stuff.

“Mindfulness is a critical part of managing chronic pain, so the workshop is beginning mid-October and will be delivered over eight weeks.

“It is a one hour session once a week over Zoom at lunch time, but in future we will have other options and other times available.”

And that’s only the start, Rebecca says, with Arthritis ACT also offering services such as exercise physiology, disability support and meal planning to help people in managing their pain.

“No task or question is too big or small for us.”

Arthritis ACT, Pain Support & ME/CFS ACT, Building 1, Collett Place, Pearce. Call 1800 011041 or visit arthritisact.org.au

Making access to eyewear easy

CURTIN Optical stocks a wide range of eyewear and accessories, says owner Corey Nicholls.

Having been a part of the Curtin community for 23 years, he says Curtin Optical has three experienced optometrists available for appointments from Mondays to Fridays. 

“We cater to all tastes – from budget to well-known brands,” says Corey.

Curtin Optical also offers mobile optical dispensing services – spectacle selections and deliveries to the elderly or people unable to come into the store due to disability, he says.

“This includes spectacle repairs and adjustments, and an after-hours service,” says Corey.

“In addition, Curtin Optical offers an express service for those who have lost or broken their spectacles (Rx dependent). 

“Curtin Optical’s in-store services can offer a same-day turnaround and its mobile jobs have a 24-hour turnaround.”

Corey says its independence from large chains gives customers a more personalised service.

He says they are also providers to the ACT pension scheme and DVA, with Curtin Optical offering a 10 per cent discount to ACT Seniors Card holders on complete spectacles, when their Seniors Card is presented at ordering.

Curtin Optical. Shop 1B, Curtin Place, Curtin. Call 6281 1220 or visit curtinoptical.com.au

One-stop-shop for a complete printing service

BRINDABELLA Print specialises in books, magazines and educational material, says owner Sean Finn.

“The business has been running for 10 years now, but I’ve been in the industry for more than 40 years,” he says.

“We’re in the high-quality side of printing, so we need to be on the top of our game at all times.

“And there’s only three of us, my eldest son and a graphic designer who are full time.”

Brindabella Print prints books and magazines, brochures, flyers and pamphlets, business cards, labels and stickers and signage.

Sean says it’s a great fun job and he loves supporting local teams such as Cricket ACT and Tuggeranong Valley AFL.

“We have the best equipment. We print the year books for Marist and St Francis Xavier, and we print art books and photography books, too,” he says.

“Woden is where we’ve always lived. I’ve had a press there since 1977. Our customers love us. They know I’m always available and they often say we’re the best kept secret in Canberra.”

Brindabella Print, 19 Givens Street, Pearce. Call 1300 886965, or visit brindabellaprint.com.au